Quick advice re: Russian memorial traditions

[dirty ethel rackham]

I'm heading out this afternoon to a memorial gathering for a friend whose mother passed away.  The family is Russian, but only my friend is a practicing Russian Orthodox.  There was no funeral service per the mother's request, but the famiy is having an open house today.  

For most wakes/funerals/memorial services, I have always just gone with a card and made a donation to a charity per requests from the family or had a mass said.  In light of the previous topic, I'm starting to wonder if I'm missing something.  Chicago suburbs here, but this family grew up in the city.  Any last minute advice?

[wintermom]

That sounds appropriate and thoughtful. What thread are you referring to? What are you second guessing here? If you want to contact your friend to ask and confirm you're doing the expected thing, that would probably be the best source of information.

[Roadrunner]

Usually flowers (red carnations are good).